Ray stepped out of his funk. It wasnt fair to take his moods out on
Gabe. It was just hard to keep hoping. The very idea that Heaven cared enough
about a worthless creature like himself was just too much to believe. That
the same people also cared enough to give him a permanent walking caretaker
was almost beyond hope as beyond belief. The man hed called
Gabe had been a permanent anchor in his randomly wandering world,
a safe place.

Ray lived Favor for Favor, helping people for the price of a Favor in return.
Gabe had asked for help, something that Ray had never been able
to deliver on. Then hed been killed. The police had ruled it an accident,
but Ray knew differently. He hadnt been able to save this man,
this friend. When he was suddenly confronted with his dead
old friend returned as his guardian hed thought that he
was going nuts, a long delayed reaction to the drugs or poisons hed
endured during his endless quest for justice. It had taken a while for it
to sink in that he was cared for enough that this man had been sent back
to him.

It was an overwhelming feeling.

He crossed into the garage and looked at the Black 66 Stingray corvette
sitting up on blocks and covered with a protective dust cloth. Perhaps in
the next day or two he and Gabe would get the car up and running again. Maybe
involve the kid in it. Something to get his mind off of his problems. The
bike was a wreck, nothing short of a miracle would Ray stopped himself
in time. Never use the M word, he reminded himself and grimaced as he heard
Gabes chuckle in his mind.

He checked that the van was put away. Theyd have to drag that bike
out tomorrow and see if it could be fixed. Damn shame. It had been a nice
ride, not as nice as his car, but few things were. Shaking himself out of
his shallow minded reverie, Ray began to pace.

<<<5>>>

In JDs room, the Major could hear the continuous battle that Ray was
having with himself. To believe in something greater than the Physical eye
could see, even after all the man had seen and suffered must be difficult
indeed. JD turned over but did not hear either the pacing or the commentary.
Gabe appeared in the doorway, checking on JD and his guardian, but said nothing.
His tight weary smile said it all. The redheaded angel was as worn out as
his charge. The guilt of facing an enemy as large as the one they fought
and being unable to do anything had worn them both down.

JDs a good kid, Gabe said, interrupting the Majors
thoughts. Im just worried about the effect this will have on
Ray. You know what I mean. This is unexpected, not unwelcome, but
unexpected.

I know. Remember, nothing goes as expected in life, ever. The
Major smiled, a real smile. I think that Id like to have a
conversation with your Charge.

Ray has a hard time with the Guardians, sir. He thinks Im some
form of punishment. Im not sure what hell make of you.

He already knows that Im here, the Major said firmly.
Its time we had a talk.

<<<5>>>

Rays pacing had brought him into the living room. The pile of books
that he had knocked down earlier was still there. Frowning at his failure
to notice the mess, Ray began gathering up the old dime novels. Unusual taste
in reading the kid had, definitely. A baby book slipped out of the stack
and spilled its contents all over the floor. He sighed, this was really
a mess. Maybe he ought to call Riskin Maybe he ought to talk to Gabe.

Gathering up the pictures, Ray was startled by a familiar face. He then began
to look closely at every picture. The same face, then other faces oh so very
well known. When Gabe came into the room he was shaking as he looked at the
pictures.

Ray? Gabe asked in concern. The Major had followed him, but remained
silent as the intensity of the mans grief hit him.

Its her, Gabe. Its them, Ray finally said.

Who? Ray, youre not making any sense, Gabe said, his concern
growing.

Before he could get an answer, Rays head shot up and he looked directly
at the Major for the first time. His eyes widened.

Youre here arent you. Youre him. Youve come
for the boy, Ray said, his fear rising. You are going to take
him, because of the curse. Please dont. Take me instead. I deserve
this, hes only a boy. Just a kid. Please Major. Take me instead. Let
me pay the price. The Major blinked in astonishment. Gabe was
flabbergasted.

Ray what are you talking about? Whats going on? Gabe demanded.
He walked over to where Ray stood clutching the pictures from JDs baby
book.

Thats her, Gabe. Rachel, Ray said softly.  My baby
sister Rachel. These are my parents. He pointed to another picture.
 These are my family, my brothers and sisters, the ones who didnt
want me to come home. He pulled out another photo. This was me.
Before the War, before it all  Ray straightened up and looked
at the Major fiercely. This kid, JD, is my nephew. My little sisters
son, My baby sisters little boy, he growled out You
arent taking him. Theres a price to be paid for the Dunnes, for
what the Sheriff did, but he aint the one to pay it. I will.

The Major buried his face in his hands, not sure whether to laugh, cry, or
explode. In the silences of his heart he screamed at Lauren Dunne for all
the harm she had done to the family of the young Sheriff. No matter what
had happened in Four Corners, the Dunne family had not deserved the venom
that young woman had forced into every life with such malicious efficiency.
Here was a man, worn with having fought a war for his country and then a
war his country wouldnt acknowledge, burdened with having been imprisoned,
tortured, and reviled, a man who now was asking, no demanding, that he take
JDs place in some futile gesture of contrition. Some fatal gesture.
Ray wanted him to kill him in JDs place. What a freaking tragedy of
errors.

Ray? Gabe tried again.

Please, Ray said.

Im not going to kill you, Raymond Arthur Dunne. Kick you into
next year, perhaps, for paying any heed to what that spiteful harpy ever
said. But to kill you? No. To kill young JD? Never! How in the world did
that woman override the rationality of an entire town? Delusions. Nothing
but Delusions brought about by a jealous spiteful harridan!

But the Price for the Dunnes Ray stammered out.

The only price out there is the one for your own choices, Raymond Arthur
Dunne. My Duty is not Judgement. That belongs to another. There is no curse,
at least for what happened to me. People at the time paid penalties for it,
yes. That Justice demanded, but it certainly doesnt demand it from
you. You are innocent, the boy in there is innocent, every single member
of the family currently living is innocent of my blood at least.
The Major tried to resist the desire to storm around the house flinging things
around. Ray seemed to have few friends in this world, this Nelson Riskin
was one of them and he didnt want to make problems for the spent man
in front of him, but Damn he was furious. No wonder things couldnt
be resolved. Lauren Dunne had them all convinced that he was going to
horrifically murder them in their beds. Stories told to children in the night,
terrors that had bitten deep and burned themselves into generations. He calmed
his fury as he felt the weight of his Gift begin to respond to his anger.
Justice was not his province, that was anothers, thank Heaven.

Ray was staring at him in confusion. The Major dropped his head wearily into
his hand. Hed been wondering what things would be like on this trip
if JD could see him. Now he was glad that the boy wasnt able to recognize
him. He couldnt take much more of this. Rachel Dunne had been difficult
to deal with in her last illness, but this!

No price? Ray asked in confusion. His whole world had been built
around the reality that he was accursed, his family had told him so when
he came back from Nam. The bad blood, the cursed blood that had slain
the Major was in his veins and he was just turning out as was expected. No
redemption there. Rachel hadnt believed that he was a lost cause.
Shed loved him and her letters had kept him going through the war.
The Vietnamese had let him keep them during his captivity. Rachels
words of hope and love had kept him free in mind at least.

She had believed in doing good, no matter what. It had also been Rachels
childhood teasing that had created Stingray, the life hed
led since his return. That was how he thought of himself, what he felt he
was worth. Everything else was gone, for good. The last good thing in his
life had been the car. His sister had kept it up for him, carefully put away
in the old Conklin barn. Hed saved up forever to buy the thing, barely
gotten it and his number came up in the draft. Shed cared for it during
his tour and his captivity, hiding it away for him when she left for school.
It had been Rachels teasing phrase, a Favor for a Favor that had led
him on his journey after the war.

The photos belonged to that time, just before he left and after he came home.
His parents treated him as if he was a monster, even calling him a baby
killer. His siblings were just the same as the parents, the next eldest,
Randal, taking particular pleasure in driving him from the house. They
wouldnt tell him where Rachel was. Hed found her later on, but
her new husband had made sure that there was no contact between them. Although
hed left an address, Rachel was unlikely to have ever received it.
Ray had kept that address open for twenty years, just hoping that shed
one day write.

JD had said that his mother was dead Oh Mercy, Rachel was gone. Hed
never see his baby sister, never hear her laugh or watch her come up with
some outrageous Math trick to pull on someone. Hed never be able to
fix the distance between them, one more thing that he could never heal.

The tears came quickly, he choked them back, but was soon overwhelmed by
them. He felt Gabe rest a hand on his shoulder. Soon he was sobbing in earnest,
suddenly that confused teenager once again, once again the bewildered Vet
come home from the war to hatred. Ray was helpless against the onslaught.
Every thing hed kept locked away since he returned from Hanoi poured
out of him in a dark flood of pain and loss.

<<<5>>>

Between them the Major and Gabe were able to manhandle the grief exhausted
man into bed. JD had slept through it all, much to the Majors chagrin.

That boy could sleep through a hurricane! he hissed at Gabe.
Part of him wanted the boy to wake and help his uncle, but JD was injured
and the meds made him sleep soundly.

Ray wont open up again, Gabe said in a somber tone. He
thinks its weakness, that theres no point in letting an
Innocent have to deal with him. He was Very Special
Forces and that means that he has to make up for everything. Even things
that happened in the Century before he was born, Gabe sighed.
Its going to take a while to put this situation into perspective.
He wont tell JD who he is, thats for certain.

Gabes prediction proved to be accurate. JD and Ray spent a great deal
of time together over the next several days, but Ray kept his nephew at
arms length permitting only the roughest beginnings of a friendship
to form. However, JD was open and caring, Somehow he was sensitive to what
Ray was feeling and never seemed to push him, though Gabe could tell he wanted
to.

After a day or two of tinkering, it was obvious that the faithful motorbike
was not going to make it. JD took the blow well, but he kept his real feelings
to himself. That night Gabe slipped into JDs room. He laid down a small
blue packet on his desk. The kid looked at him in confusion.

I asked you to stay a couple of days and help get Ray back towards
his balance. You kept your part of the deal, so Im keeping mine. The
fact that Ray needs more time is not something that you can do anything
about. Gabe smiled in a melancholy fashion. Tomorrow well
take you to the bus stop in the morning. Ill see about getting the
bike to you in Denver.

Thanks, I really appreciate that, JD said. Im really
sorry about Ray, though. Hes hurting and there just doesnt seem
to be a way for him to let it out. Maybe you should take him someplace else
for a while, let him relax in a new setting. Some place where he doesnt
have to worry about the Bitch Queen.

Youre a bright young man, JD Dunne. Gabe grinned as a sudden
burst of inspiration hit. I have to call my boss shortly to see what
she wants us to do. Theres a place Id really like to take Ray,
near the Sea. It was a favorite of mine a long time ago. Its a great
place for healing. I went there myself when I lost someone very close to
me. It worked magic on me, perhaps it will do the same for Ray. Thank you
Mr. Dunne.

Sure, I guess, I didnt do anything.

Sometimes being a listening ear is what someone else needs. The chance
to work out their own problem with some one they know cares about it, even
if its only abstract. Gabe smiled. Good night Mr. Dunne.
Sleep well.

Night JD replied, still rather confused at the situation.

<<<5>>>

Here, JD, Ray said as they waited for the bus that would get
JD back on the road to Denver. He handed the younger man a book. I
noticed that this was missing from your set. JD took the volume mystified.
The collected works of Jock Steele, Volume 2. was written on
the spine in gold letters. Oh, the dime novels. Hed almost forgotten
the stories that he had been reading in Chicago. Certainly Ray shouldnt
have spent his money on this! Before he could say anything, the station PA
announced his bus and he had to get on board. Ray and Gabe waved at him.

The second volume of the works of that literary Neanderthal Jock
Steele? the Major said with some heat. Why in the world would
you give him that?

Ray laughed, a real laugh for the first time in a long while. Oh, Steele
might have been a nitwit, but theres something in there that hes
going to need, being a Dunne.

What in the world is that? Gabe asked, he was as confused by
the gift as the Major.

The fifth story in that volume, Ray said with a lopsided smirk.

Whats that?

The Magnificent Seven, Ray laughed again harder at the expression
on the Majors face. Its only right that I share the family
history with him. He grinned. Whether or not he chooses to use
it is up to him, Ray laughed and led the way to the van. He had some
parts to pick up at the local antique car store. That vette was going
to be back on the road before he knew it. Just in time to meet Gabes
boss to talk about some trip his partner wanted to take. It was
tough keeping up with a Guardian Angel, but Ray suddenly felt up to it.

The Major grimaced and then laughed. He shook hands with both men and slipped
on after his charge.

<<<5>>>

JD endured the bus ride with good humor, dealing with all sorts of people
as he rode along. It gave him an education in humanity, alright! The Major
watched his charge with amusement. It was interesting to watch the boy interact
with the world in a less threatening situation. Still, the Major kept his
eyes open for trouble though.

<<<5>>>

The bus broke down at the gas station in Cheyenne. It was late at night and
there was nowhere for the passengers to rest while they waited except the
large gas station, which was as large as most grocery stores. JDs current
seatmate was an older man who smelled of whiskey and cracked strange comments
at him. Hed been as polite as he could be, but he found that he needed
some space so he went outside of the huge store/station.

The stars were bright and he amused himself by wishing on a couple of them.
JD sat and considered his future and his plans. Ray had slipped him some
money and Gabe had as well, so he wasnt as bad off as he probably would
have been. Both men had also slipped him contact cards, in case hed
needed help. He also had the numbers for the Consulate and Philly Homicide.
If he couldnt find a place in Denver, he had places he could go, but
JD had no intention of giving up easily.

A sudden thought stuck him and he picked up the pay phone. A quick set of
numbers and he was listening to the ring of the phone while he waited.

Hello? came a voice rich with a Polish accent.

Mrs. Leviwitcz? JD asked hesitantly. He should have remembered
the time difference.

John David, is that you? Child are you well?

Yes maam, JD said. He wasnt sure what to say. I
just called .

You are feeling a little lost? That is expected. A little uncertain?
That too. Are you still doing what you dream of?

Yes maam, JD said. Im ready for this. I just
needed to I dont know.

Its alright, child. It was right of you to call. Mrs.
Leviwitczs voice came through the phone, a mixture of warm cookies
and soothing creaking. It felt like home. She told him funny stories, ironic
ones, really about the Tofflers and their various crises, worrisome ones
about Ben, whod incomprehensibly changed. His partner was showing a
vicious, nasty side that JD didnt like hearing about. She told him
what was going on with the others. Mr. Dalley the gardener was sure that
hed been arrested or was embroiled in some conspiracy. After all, in
the mans mind, why else was JD calling from Canada? He must be in trouble.
The older man had been afraid of conspiracies ever since hed run afoul
of McCarthys Red list. It was to his credit that he was almost willing
to forgo his sanctuary at the Toffler Mansion and come to rescue JD. Miz
Cass, depending on the day, was of the belief that hed been kidnapped
by aliens for a higher purpose and on other days that he was walking in the
company of Angels. Mr. Weiss was worried about his motorcycle and why
didnt he get a good horse, the old man had been a Jockey a long time
ago. The most surprising news was that the prim and proper Miss Emily the
Toffler maid, and Mr. Long the butler and Rachels former second in
command, had slipped off to Atlantic City and gotten married. Having watched
them for several years, JD wasnt really all that surprised, he just
hoped theyd be able to keep up with the Tofflers, it would take everything
both of them had to do so.

What a mess! The Tofflers themselves were all over the board, causing all
manner of chaos, but the Historical society was pleased with Rachels
renovations of the Mansion, which meant that the Tofflers wouldnt lose
their listing on the State roll of Historical buildings. Theyd even
gotten a brass plaque for the front porch. JD felt a little bit of cynical
satisfaction that the Historical Society had put his mothers name on
the plaque and refused to change it. Shed done the work, it was only
fair that it be acknowledged. That acknowledgement was annoying the heck
out of Marcia Toffler, but JD was sure that he could live with that.

Mrs. Leviwitcz made him end the call a little later, not wanting him to waste
the phone cards shed given him. The bus wasnt ready yet, though
it looked like it would be soon, so JD sat on the curb and watched the bright
stars in the very dark sky. Theyd never been this bright in New York,
even at the planetarium.

<<<5>>>

The Bus had made it to Denver finally, but it was on its last legs. The remaining
passengers were transferred to a city sightseeing bus as the rest of the
buses were all stationed at the arena to help with the Interstate Basketball
Championships. JD didnt mind, he was reading his Denver City
guide and wondering what he should do now. There were a lot of museums
and things to see. The Zoo sounded interesting, and maybe this Molly
Brown house, but JD just wished theyd get to the stop.

It took him a little while to realize that theyd made a mistake and
the driver was going to loop back around to the station. JD guessed that
the man wanted a tip for showing them the sights. As he was about to confront
the driver a series of gunshots rang out. The driver cursed.

Hey, mister, where are we? JD asked.

Thats the Damn !#$%$&^*&^ Federal building. Those Idiots
are at it again, the Driver cursed a blue streak. Theyre
supposed to be training some new hotshot Federal team, going to solve all
our problems. Damn Idiots cant even train without causing a problem!
#%^$^&Y(* He cursed again. JD slipped back towards his seat but
stuck his head out of one of the open windows. The Driver swore another blue
streak. You'll get your damn head back in there if you know what's
good for you. JD had seen windbreakers reading RMETF and knew that
they were the people he wanted to see. At last! He thought that the tall
man in the black jeans must be Chris Larabee. Phillip was right, the man
didnt dress up for work! Grabbing his denim saddlebags, JD moved over
the white line on the bus floor. Cursing again, the Driver snarled
in surprise. Hey, this ain't your stop!

Oh, it is now. This is why I came west. JD smiled at the furious
man. The Driver was glad to dump him off at Colfax Avenue, near the Motel
6. Unfortunately the other passengers werent so lucky and were stuck
on the bus. A couple of them had expressions that seemed to wish theyd
gotten off with JD. He, in turn, waived merrily at them and went to check
into the Motel.

<<<5>>>

JD stared up at the white speckled ceiling. There was a loud bedspread on
the bed and the curtains matched. He was feeling a little hungry, but
didnt want to wander around Denver looking for a place in his price
range. Right now McDonalds was barely in his price range. The Motel
had been paid for for a week. He had a week to convince Larabee to see him,
and to hire him. One week. He could do this. He could.

Finally he looked in his saddlebag to see what sort of food was left, JD
debated between Beef stew and Chili. Opening the stew into a microwaveable
dish, He went down to the vending area. The Microwave was out of order, but
the nice manager warmed it up in her apartment.

He had to eat, but he couldnt eat cold food, well he could, hed
done it when the Tofflers had forgotten to pay for utilities at the apartment,
but that had been a while ago. He didnt think that he could choke down
cold chili for breakfast. JD knew that hed probably have to. There
was only so much money left, even with what Ray and Gabe had given him. He
promised himself that hed pay them back as soon as he could.

There was a loaf of bread in his bags that he didnt remember, maybe
hed have a sandwich in the morning, a plain tuna sandwich, no mayonnaise.
That would at least be better than cold chili. Frowning, the Major watched
the boy consider his options. This would never do. The boy might starve before
Larabee ever met him.

JD finally drifted off to sleep, watched over by his guardian and feeling
confident of his abilities. He could do this. He could. But as his charge
dropped into a deep sleep, the Major could remember that the other Chris
Larabee had needed some persuasion and began considering His options.

<<<5>>>

JD went to the Rout Federal Building every single day. The secretary, Deborah
Rinaldi, was very kind, but Larabee was not in evidence. RMETF Seven had
some more training activities going and the two new members, Jackson and
Sanchez were getting all of their belongings moved to Denver. Theyd
be staying with Agent Wilmington. He envied them. Hed have to check
out of the motel today. Although hed been frugal, there wasnt
much left as far as money went.

Packing up his saddlebags, JD noticed an envelope that he was sure hadnt
been there before. The two letters of his name were written in a bold hand.
It took him a minute to place the script. It was Gabes writing.

The envelope contained some cards and a note. The note read If what
Ive heard is correct it may take a while for Larabee to be pinned down
enough for you to talk to him. Hes not the most patient of men, apparently.
Heres a little extra to tide you over. If its not enough, call
us. The Last hope is the one when youve exhausted all others. You are
nowhere near out of options. Hold on. And if you do need us, Call. Gabe.

The amount on the cards was enough to make sure that he had a roof over his
head for a little while longer. JD almost fainted with relief and hunger.
He went down and added another weeks stay to his bill.

A strangely familiar man in a grey jumpsuit was in the vending room and was
working on the Microwave. JD felt better, he could have some hot food tonight.
That would be wonderful. Hed taken to watching his change, only eating
one thing out of the machines a day. He hadnt remembered to do so today
and he was feeling faint.

Here, the Major said, frowning at the unsteady JD. He kept his
personae of the repairman but shoved a piping hot meal on a plate
at the boy. I needed to test the thing and Ive already eaten.
You look like a growing boy. Eat that.

JD was startled, but did as he was ordered. He was so weary and hungry that
he hadnt thought about the donor of his meal or the fact that there
was no way such a meal could have been made in a Microwave.

<<<5>>>

Denver was an amazing place for the New Yorker, a city, but still very much
unlike the city he knew. He found himself getting lost frequently, often
in a bad part of town, but somehow he never fell a foul of trouble, something
he thanked Heaven for daily. There was a large church, he wasnt really
sure what denomination it was, near the Federal Building. It was made of
huge brown stones, probably in the late nineteenth century. It felt very
peaceful there. After five oclock, when it was sure that Larabee was
gone for the day, JD would go to the church and sit. It was restful and he
found himself holding conversations with his mother. He knew she was dead,
but hed always believed that the dead were very close to the living,
that Heaven was just a step away.

The Priest or Vicar, or whatever he was, would watch JD, but said nothing
once he was sure that JD wasnt going to vandalize the church. He never
came over or asked the boy what he wanted, he just watched him. JD didnt
mind. He could remember the old Priest at his home parish doing that, just
before Father Kelly was assigned. And then there were the Nuns at school.
There wasnt anyone who could match Sister Mary Catherine for a stare.
The Major nodded to the ghost who tended the church, amused that the boy
was beginning to be able to see the unseen but not him. He followed
JD everywhere and ensured the boys safety, sometimes by extreme measures.

<<<5>>>

Federal Agents Philip Monson and Charles Tusswell had shown up one day while
JD was waiting. They took him out to lunch, but Charles restrained Phillip
from busting in to Larabees office.

Theres some trouble with RMETF Seven, Charles said. One
of the Agent has been accused of a crime. JD looked at him.
Larabees friend, Wilmington. Its serious. Sexual Harassment.
So the Higher-ups are taking it seriously. Larabees in no mood to see
anyone until this gets cleared up.

Kid, you doing okay? Phillip asked. He was concerned because
the JD he knew was boiling over with energy. This kid was listless and worn
out. The older agent looked at his partner. Charles mouthed Food
and Phillip frowned. The kid was not going to starve to death waiting on
Larabee.

<<<5>>>

JD sat quietly on the bench in the hallway down the way from the offices
assigned to RMETF Seven. He now had several shopping bags filled with food
that Phillip and Charles wouldnt be talked out of. He blessed the ornery
older agents for their kindness. He didnt know how much longer he could
hold out.

A man with an ID that read SSAC Williams kept coming back and forth in front
of JD, making him dizzy. Williams was shuffling a stack of papers. He dropped
several, which JD retrieved for him.

Thanks, The SSAC said with a tired smile. Jonathan,
He muttered to himself, and looking around he moved over to a Native American
man, about JDs age, who was sitting with a redheaded girl and an older
man who looked shaggy and unkempt. Williams conversed quietly with them,
smiling with increasing happiness. After their conversation the SSAC wandered
towards an office down at the other end of the hallway. He gave JD a smile
as he passed with his papers.

JD noticed the others watching him, but seemingly looking at the corner behind
him. He smiled in a friendly way. They smiled back, especially the redhead.
She gave him a little wave, but her two companions seemed to stare at the
corner intently. An older Hindu lady joined them a few minutes later and
began to type away at a laptop computer. It was the latest model, JD watched
it for a moment feeling envious. There was no way he could afford something
like that. It was just barely on the market.

The Major gave the young people a challenging little bow. The untidy boy
looked startled, but the Native American returned the salute gravely. His
charge didnt notice. JD was watching the Native American man with interest
as well as the expensive laptop, hed never seen an Indian before, but
didnt want to be rude and the computer was interesting. Maybe he should
go ask about it, but that would be incredibly rude and he had to wait to
see if Larabee was going to see him today.

He was so involved in trying to be polite and hiding his interest so that
he wouldnt be rude that he didnt notice the door open and a lovely
older woman in a bright yellow suit enter the hallway. Dorrie Sandburg-Greenwalt
raised an eyebrow at the man in the Grey overcoat. He grinned back over
JDs head. She shook her head and smiled. Out of her purse she drew
a pair of silver earrings in the shape of Easter lilies and put them on.
Hopefully they wouldnt break anytime soon.

Hello She said, smiling at both JD and his guardian.

Hi, JD said brightly, his innocent nature very obvious. Dorrie
hid her concern behind another smile.

Waiting a long time? she asked conversationally.

Yes, Maam, JD said. Im trying to get an appointment
with Agent Larabee. Theres an opening on Team Seven, and Id like
to fill it. Behind him, the Major hid his face in his hand both amused
and embarrassed; Dorrie gave him a grin.

Well, Agent Larabee can be a bit stubborn about such things, but Im
sure if you hold on long enough and be persistent, hell give you a
hearing. Hes a fair man, but hard headed. Dorrie smiled
conspiratorially. JD grinned back at her, hed read Larabees profile,
at least as much of it as he could get at. This woman knew what she was talking
about. JD soon found himself opening up to her. He told her everything, Dorrie
was a good listener.

The other folks were definitely waiting for Dorrie, but they made no attempts
to interrupt. Eventually Dorrie had to leave, but she gave him her card.
JD felt better about his situation. The Major did too, but increased his
vigilance, there was a lot going on here.

Mr. Dunne? Deborah Rinaldi, Chris Larabees personal assistant
came out of the office.

Yes Maam, JD said, standing up and hoping that none of
the shopping bags fell over. Deborah smiled at the polite young man.

Mr Larabee has an opening tomorrow at 1:30 in the afternoon.
She handed him a white card with the appointment and the office numbers on
it. Deborah started back to the office, but felt impelled to turn. Good
Luck, Mr. Dunne.

Thanks! JD cried.

<<<5>>>

JD turned up at 11:00A.M. in the best suit that he owned. Hed attempted
to press it with the iron but it still looked wrinkled to him. Hed
eaten a good breakfast, knowing that it was important not to faint. He felt
scared. Butterflies filled his stomach tap-dancing across the lining with
steel taps.

Not daring to look much around he followed as Deborah Rinaldi led him through
the office, past her desk and through the bull pen. Three of
the desks were occupied, JD could tell, stuff piled high on them, being sorted.
The other three desks were empty, two in the corner and one over by a desk
occupied by a tall man with bright curious blue eyes and dark hair. JD completely
missed the mans cheesy grin.

Deborah led him to the closed office door. All JD could see was the black
lettering on the glass, SAC C. M. Larabee, RMETF Seven. His heart began to
pound so much that he was sure that both the man and Deborah Rinaldi could
hear it.

Chris Larabee was a thirty-something blond with short hair and a worn weary
look. He motioned JD into the office with a gesture. JD obeyed immediately.
His own research coupled with what his gut was telling him said that Larabee
wasnt a man to be trifled with.

John Dunne? Larabee asked. Chris spent a moment observing the
boy, and a boy was all that he was. Far too young for this. Hed read
the file, impressive, but the man was just a boy, not old enough for this.
Hed buried enough young men when he commanded SEALs. This boy needed
some place safer to grow up.

Yes Sir.

You are applying to RMETF Seven in the capacity of a Tech/Op. Basically,
a glorified Computer geek, with Investigative duties, Chris said trying
to keep a distance between him and the eager young man in front of him. The
boy was pale, his dark hair and hazel eyes adding to the impression of both
youth and fragility. Neither of which recommended him to Larabee. Capt. Meredith,
JDs CO in New York had told him a lot about the kid in front of him,
especially that he had just recently lost his mother. Larabee knew very well
that being in grief led to bad choices. He didn't want this boy to make a
serious mistake and get in for more than he was ready for.

Yes Sir.

Okay, Ive read your file and spoken to your old CO, who by the
way thinks that I should ship you off to the best computer company around
to make millions and he also thinks that Id be crazy not to take you
in a New York minute. Larabee raised a sardonic eyebrow
at the last and JD flushed a little under his scrutiny.

Sir, this is where I belong, doing this job for you. Im the best
out there for it I know it. I know that I look young but I do have experience,
and Im willing to learn. I work well with other people, am capable
and as my file should show, dependable. Please, Agent Larabee. Give me a
chance to prove it to you.

Sorry, Mr Dunne. These are deep and dangerous assignments we take on.
This unit works every other Agencies cold cases. That means
that one day were working a DEA case, the next day it could be FBI
or ATF. This no place for a beginner. Im sorry, Chris told him
gently. Larabee gravely shook the profered hand. He was startled to see the
boys face shift into a mask of total determination, determination that
he hadnt seen since his days in the Navy.

Im sorry that you feel that way, Sir, JD said. I
am much more than it shows on any piece of paper, and more than any other
person knows. This is where I belong and I mean to prove it to you.

Larabee acknowledged the boys bravado with a carefully controlled face.
He kept his smile hidden. Hed heard it all before, a dozen different
ways, and no one had done it yet.

JD thanked him seriously, and walked into the bullpen, tripping into a box
of Bucks magazines and careening into the water cooler. No one laughed
aloud, but every member of the current team was grinning widely. Dunne quickly
recovered himself and walked out, looking neither left or right.

Thank goodness that was over, Larabee told himself as he returned to his
office to find them a Computer Tech who didnt look like a high schooler.
As he sat down the silver Easter lily earrings on his desk caught his eye
in an accusing manner. Chris didnt notice the grey clad man who stood
in the corner of his office, arms folded, eyes narrowed in mixed anger and
amusement.

Oh well, the Major mused. He hadnt expected this to go well this early
on.

<<<5>>>

The answer was No. JD had been prepared for that. All it took was one look
at his baby face and there it went. It had taken nine exhausting
weeks to get accepted to the NYPD Academy. He hoped that it wouldnt
take so long here but there it was. It would take as long as it took for
him to convince Larabee that he was what they needed. This was his place,
he knew it.

<<<5>>>

The second meeting was a little harder to arrange, days and weeks of calling
and pestering Deborah Rinaldi had born fruit when she told him that Larabee
was willing to speak with him again. JD pressed his suit, it still looked
wrinkled, but hed done his best on it. It wasnt the appearance
that was as important as the contents. He had to find a way to convince Agent
Larabee of that.

The Major watched in fascination as the boy prepared to enter the lions
den. Larabee was becoming slightly irritable at the pestering, but JD had
been unwavering. Surely that would help him with the moody blond in the office.
Somehow. Whispering a quick invocation for Michaels intercession, the
Major followed his charge back to the office of RMETF Seven.

JD for his own part was a little worried. The money that Gabe had left him
was running out. He couldnt stay much longer at the Motel 6. Hed
been stretching his food to the limit, rationing every mouthful to make it
last as long as he could. Hed lost some weight, he could tell. His
suit didnt fit him as well as it once did. Tightening his belt, he
tried to smooth the suit into a semblance of proper appearance. He had to
convince Larabee. He had to!

<<<5>>>

Larabee had been irritated all morning. His three men were keeping a distance,
even Buck his old friend. It had put a topper on the morning when he read
that he was scheduled to talk to the boy again. Chris had been amazed at
his tenacity. Most people gave up much more easily than this. He couldnt
use the boy, he was too young for this, but maybe he could find him some
place. Didnt Damien Kelso have a brother somewhere? Hadnt he
mentioned that he needed some help?

Dunne had been prompt, even early for this meeting. It didnt go much
better than the first. Chris had rejected dozens of candidates for the job.
Most had more experience but had little more computer skills than a solid
Tech would have. Chris wanted a Computer Wizard, but the only ones that seemed
to have the skills were just too troublesome in command. Serious personality
problems every one of them, or security breachers. He could perhaps have
handled some of the personality problems, hed led SEALs with more
troubling behavior, after all hed been assigned every problem
child out there. It hadnt been so bad, hed gotten Buck out of
that deal, but these problems werent easy to solve or to deal with.

Bad behavior was often a sign of either limited social skills or serious
trouble with the command structure. But these files that had been sent to
him had been a huge collection of the most irresponsible, backbiting, mentally
unstable and socially incompetent agents out there. Every one that hed
checked out had proven to be a head case. If he didnt know better
hed think that someone was sabotaging him. Larabee hadnt seen
any other signs of it, but it was certainly possible. Hed stepped on
a lot of toes with his forthright and direct manners. Even when Sarah had
been alive, hed still been as rough as old hickory bark in his dealings.
There was no reason to waste time on foolishness.

But he kept coming back to the boy. Dunne was qualified, but he was too young.
Chris had already had a fierce argument with Alex Welch over not taking Dunne.
Alex was usually in his corner, but he was pushing for the boy with surprising
venom. It was almost to the point of having Alex talk to Wiley about it.
Welch would never go behind his back, but Larabee knew that he was determined
to push JD into his lap.

Not going to happen. He wasnt going to bury another kid.
Memories of a shattered body lying in his arms trying to breathe and
failing No he wasnt going to let himself be talked into it.

But the rest of the candidates stank. If JD Dunne had been older, Chris would
have snapped him up in a second. Sighing, he put the entire stack aside and
wrote on a notepad for Deborah to get him another stack of the damn things.
The only candidate that fit was just too damn young. His head reminded him
that twenty-two wasnt that young, but the man looked sixteen.
Larabee was sure that he couldnt handle burying that boy.

The Major grinned as he watched Larabee move the stack. Maybe he should dig
a little deeper in the files marked disciplinary hearings and
see whom else he could find.